Research and Artistry
Research and Artistry is an annual internal grant program supporting faculty research, scholarship and artistry activities. Proposals are invited from NIU tenure-track and tenured faculty from all academic areas who have not received Research and Artistry funding for the past five award cycles. The process is competitive and applications are reviewed by a faculty committee.
The Research and Artistry Program supports research, scholarship and artistry with clearly articulated goals that support a trajectory toward meaningful contribution, impact and/or visibility in the proposer’s field. Proposals should clearly articulate these anticipated results and should articulate strategies for securing ongoing resources and partnerships over time, recognizing current challenges with external funding and with size, scope and source appropriate to the field. Faculty are encouraged to reach out to their ORD research development specialist for assistance in identifying and developing a plan for field-relevant resources and partnerships for their research, scholarship and artistry, including going beyond any traditional sources that are historically or currently limited. (Applicants may submit a consultation request form or email ord@niu.edu to be connected to their development specialist if not known.)
Proposals must be submitted via the
InfoReady internal competition portal by January 7, 2026.
Complete details about changes to this year’s program, eligibility, proposal content and formatting requirements, review criteria and process, award information and contact information for questions are included in the Research and Artistry Guidelines document uploaded to the InfoReady competition space (see the Details section of the competition landing page).
Interested individuals who have trouble accessing the InfoReady portal, or who have questions after reviewing the Research and Artistry guidelines may email resart@niu.edu for assistance.
Rapid Internal Funding Program
Rapid is an internal grant program that offers time-sensitive and bridge funding for tenure-track and tenured NIU faculty whose research, scholarship and creative activities have been interrupted due to shifting external funding landscapes or who otherwise have time-sensitive opportunities to advance their research, scholarly and creative activities. The program intends to assist faculty in being competitive for external funding mechanisms, including as they pivot to new corporate, foundation and governmental opportunities. Awards up to $5,000 will be considered.
Tenure-track and tenured NIU faculty who lack alternate internal funding resources are invited to apply via the InfoReady internal competition portal. Complete information about the Rapid funding opportunity including detailed eligibility criteria, proposal content and formatting requirements, review criteria and process, award information and contact information for questions is provided via the Rapid Guidelines document uploaded to the InfoReady competition space (see the Details section of the competition landing page).
Interested individuals who have trouble accessing the InfoReady portal, or who have questions after reviewing the Rapid guidelines may email ord@niu.edu for assistance.